NEW JERSEY YOUTH HOCKEY LEAGUE ANNUAL GUIDEBOOK

Transcription

1 NEW JERSEY YOUTH HOCKEY LEAGUE ANNUAL GUIDEBOOK New Jersey Youth Hockey League Guidebook

2 Points of Emphasis Helmets All ice hockey coaches and instructors of registered USA Hockey Youth 18 & Under and below, high school, girls /women s 19 & under and below, and disabled programs must properly wear an approved ice hockey helmet during all on-ice sessions, including practices, controlled scrimmages and all Coaching Education Program clinics and/or workshops. Penalty for not wearing a helmet is a minimum thirty (30) day suspension. Progressive Suspensions - Players USA Hockey Rule 411 states: Any player who receives their third major penalty during the same season for any combination of aggressive infractions shall receive an additional three game suspension. Any player who receives their fourth major penalty shall receive an additional five game suspension. Any player who receives their fifth major penalty shall be suspended until a hearing is conducted by the Affiliate. These suspensions are in addition to any others imposed through the official playing rules. The rules where progressive suspensions are applied: o Rule 603 Boarding o Rule 604 Body Checking o Rule 606 Butt Ending o Rule 607 Charging o Rule 609 Checking from Behind o Rule 609 Cross Checking o Rule 611 Elbowing o Rule 619 Head Butting o Rule 620 Head Contact o Rule 621 High Stick o Rule 627 Kicking o Rule 628 Kneeing 2 New Jersey Youth Hockey League Guidebook

3 ADM Compliance o Rule 634 Slashing o Rule 635 Spearing o Rule 629 Tripping/Clipping/Leg Checking o Rule 640 Unnecessary Roughness All NJYHL member organizations are expected to be USA Hockey ADM compliant. All 6U and 8U teams must play cross ice/half ice games and adhere to a 2:1 practice to game ratio. Full ice games are not permitted at any time. The use of blue pucks at 6U and 8U is also required. Black pucks are not permitted at any time at the 6U and 8U levels. 3 New Jersey Youth Hockey League Guidebook

4 Rule Changes for the Season All approved rule changes are highlighted in the text within this Guidebook. Any questions regarding interpretation of these Guidelines should be addressed to the Executive Vice President. These Guidelines also reflect a large number of housekeeping changes that were agreed upon by the Board at the Annual meeting. All contact information is formally removed from this version. All contacts will be maintained on the NJYHL website. AT THE NOVEMBER 12, 2017 DELEGATE S MEETING, A HOUSEKEEPING CHANGE WAS MADE TO RULE 87. THIS RULE AS LISTED BELOW SUPERCEDES THE RULE PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED IN THIS GUIDEBOOK. Method of Determining a Winner 87. The following method is used for determining the winner of a League Division Championship: A. The team in each division accruing the greatest number of points will be declared the champions. Points are awarded as follows: Win 2 points Tie 1 point Loss 0 points B. If two or more teams are tied in total points, the standings will be determined using the following criteria: 1. Team having the most wins in all league games. 2. Team having accrued the most points among the tied teams (head to head). 3. Team having the most wins among the tied teams. 4. Team with the fewest goals against among the tied teams. 5. Team having the fewest goals against in all league games. C. If one tie-breaker establishes a position for one or more teams, each team is placed in their applicable positions. Once a team or teams are placed, any remaining tied teams shall start the tie-breaking process at step 1. 4 New Jersey Youth Hockey League Guidebook

5 Schedule of NJYHL Fees, Fines and Due Dates Below is a consolidated list of potential fees, fines and due dates resulting from these Constitution and Bylaws and Rules and Regulations. Please refer to the related rule for specific information as other sanctions may also be applicable. This table is only meant as a guide to applicable fees, fines and due dates and does not contain the entire Bylaw or Rule. FEES Type Description Rule Fee Escrow account contribution new organizations only Fee Capital contribution new organizations only Reference Bylaw Article III Bylaw Article III Amount Due Date $1,000 March Board meeting $550 March Board meeting $650 August 15 th Fee Annual League membership Bylaw Article III Fee Annual team fee (per team Bylaw Article $375 August 15 th 10U and higher) III Fee Squirt Jamboree Fee Bylaw Article $275/team August 15 th III Fee Request for appeal Rule 58 $25 No due date Fee Protest of ruling Rule 59 $25 No due date DUE DATES Type Description Rule Due Date Due Date Due Date Due Date Application for membership to the NJYHL Presentation of name, logo, color, or home rink changes Distribution of new membership application materials to Board Proposed rule changes submitted to EVP Reference Bylaw Article IV Bylaw Article III Bylaw Article VI Bylaw Article X Amount Due Date $0 January 1 st $0 February 1 st $0 February 1 st $0 February 15 th 5 New Jersey Youth Hockey League Guidebook

6 Due Date Due Date Due Date Ratification via vote of membership of name, logo, color, or home rink changes presented at February meeting Oral presentation from prospective new members and vote for admittance to NJYHL Vote on probationary member advancement to full member Bylaw Article III Bylaw Article IV Bylaw Article IV $0 March Board meeting $0 March Board Meeting $0 March Board Meeting $0 March 25 th Due Date Nominations from the floor for election to the Executive Board Bylaw Article V Due Date Substitution of Delegate at Bylaw Article $0 7 days prior Annual Meeting (submitted by IX to Annual organization President) Meeting Due Date Team declarations due Rule 8 May Due Date Naming of organization Bylaw Article $0 June 1 st representatives III Due Date Organizational Questionnaire Bylaw Article $0 June 1 st III Due Date Team declarations are final Rule 8 June 1 st Due Date Publishing of League Board Bylaw Article $0 June meeting dates IX Due Date Announcement of League Rule 88 $0 June Playoff Dates Due Date USA Hockey Approved Rosters Rule 12 $0 July 15 th from Probationary teams Due Date Annual payments due (See Bylaw Article See above August 15 th Fees above) III Due Date 16U/18U League Season Commences No Later Than Rule 27 $0 September 1 st Due Date Tier I player movement to Tier II deadline (U16/U18) Rule 14 $0 September 16 th Due Date Squirt Jamboree Rule 27 $0 September Due Date Playoff Eligibility Rule 88 $0 September Announcement Due Date 12U/14U League Season Rule 27 $0 October 1 st Commences No Later Than Due Date 10U League Season Commences No Later Than Rule 27 $0 October 15 th 6 New Jersey Youth Hockey League Guidebook

7 Due Date Tier I player movement to Tier II deadline (10U, 12U, 14U) Rule 14 $0 October 16 th Due Date 16U/18U AA League Season Ends No Later Than Rule 27 $0 November 1 st Due Date 16U/18U A League Season Ends No Later Than Rule 27 $0 November 15 th Due Date All team rosters are frozen Rule 12 Rule 23 $0 December 31 st Due Date All Coaching CEP requirements completed Rule 81 $0 December 31 st FINES, FORFEITS AND SUSPENSIONS Type Description Rule Reference Fine Absence from Board Bylaw Article (Delegates) meeting first IX offense Fine Fine Fine Absence from Board (Delegates) meeting second offense Absence from Board (Delegates) meeting third offense Absence from Board (Delegates) meeting fourth offense and higher Bylaw Article IX Bylaw Article IX Bylaw Article IX Fine Absence from Annual Meeting Bylaw Article IX Fine Absence from Annual Bylaw Article Presidents meeting IX Fine Withdrawn team after final Rule 8 declarations Fine Missing player or coach Rule 11 credential Fine and forfeit Forfeit Rosters not submitted to NJYHL Registrar before games are played Using A goalie in B game and winning game Rule 12 Rule 17 $50 $100 Amount $250 and probation $250 each $200 $200 $1,000 per team Discretionary $1,000/game and forfeit 1-0 forfeit assessed Due Date 7 New Jersey Youth Hockey League Guidebook

8 Fine Fine and forfeit Fine/forfeit and suspension Fine Fine Fine and Forfeit Fine and Suspension Fine and Forfeit Forfeit Fine Fine Fine and Forfeit Fine Roster moves not performed in online system prior to game time Using a non-rostered player in a game first offense Using a non-rostered player in a game second offense Game schedules not entered into online system by deadline Online game schedules changed after September 15 th (except for extraordinary circumstances) Change of League game with less than seven days notice Failure to complete League schedule Failure for team to appear to play (including insufficient number of players) Rule 19 $50/per occurrence Rule 24 $1,000 and forfeit Rule 24 Suspension for season all remaining games are forfeits/ $1,000 fine per game forfeited Rule 28 $200 Rule 28 $100 to initiating team Rule 30 $1,000 to home team and game forfeit Rule 31 $1,000/game and possible suspension Rule 33 $1,000 to offending team and forfeit Rule 38 Forfeit (per Commissioner) Rule 54 $100 Intentional game suspension before end of 2 nd period Abuse of official (match penalty) Failure to notify the Rule 55 $500 Commissioner about match penalty or fighting major Playing an ineligible player Rule 55 $1,000/game and forfeit Late upload of game score Rule 61 $100 sheet into the electronic scorekeeping system 8 New Jersey Youth Hockey League Guidebook

9 Fine Fine Fine and Forfeit of Fee Error or omission to game statistics on score sheet Missing game identification on paper score sheet (game number/level, etc.) Official accepting game where related to team management Rule 64 $25 per omission Rule 65 $25 Rule 66 Forfeit of game fee plus equal amount in fine Fine Spectator ejection Rule 75 $100 to offending team Fine Fine and Forfeit Fine and Disciplinary Hearing Failure to attend Hockey Director/Coaching and/or Team Manager annual meeting Use of ineligible player in playoff game Failure to participate in a NJYHL playoff or District games Rule 79 $100/team Rule 90 $1,000 fine/forfeit Rule 95 $5,000 fine and disciplinary hearing Fine Forfeit of a playoff game Rule 96 $2,500 Fine All forfeits Rule 102 $1,000 Fine Commissioner fine assessment Rule 103 $1,000 maximum Officiating Fees Effective through the season 8U (Mite) $25 per official 10U (Squirt) $40 per official 12U (Pee Wee) $50 per official 14U (Bantam) $65 per official 16U and 18U (Midget) $80 per official If only one official appears, pay 1.5 times usual rate for 8U/10U, 2 times usual rate for 12U, 14U, 16U, 18U 9 New Jersey Youth Hockey League Guidebook

10 Constitution and Bylaws Article I: Name The name of the corporation (hereinafter called the Corporation or the League ) is New Jersey Youth Hockey League (NJYHL), a New Jersey nonprofit corporation. Article II: Purpose The purpose of the Corporation is: To be organized and to operate in accordance with Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ( Code ); to operate an amateur ice hockey organization exclusively for the purpose of supporting and developing amateur ice hockey athletes by A. Developing and encouraging sportsmanship between all players for the betterment of their physical and social well-being. B. Encouraging and improving the standard of amateur ice hockey. C. Conducting ice hockey competition in an organized setting to provide an avenue for member teams to advance to USA Hockey District and National Championships. D. Associating with other ice hockey associations. E. Any and all acts in furtherance of the foregoing purposes. F. To foster the support and development of ice hockey athletes for national and international competition. Said Corporation is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational and scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any federal future tax code. Article III: Membership Any Organization registered with USA Hockey shall be entitled to membership upon meeting the requirements as set forth in these Bylaws. 10 New Jersey Youth Hockey League Guidebook

11 Membership shall entitle an Organization to one voting delegate on the Board of Directors (hereinafter, the Board ). One alternate delegate may be designated and attend meetings, but may vote only in the absence of the delegate. The delegates and alternate delegates are directly responsible for all League activities for their respective organizations and are liaisons for keeping their clubs informed of all League procedures, rules and regulations, and other pertinent matters. Delegates and alternates must be designated by June 1 st : All member Organizations shall be assessed appropriate fees necessary to operate the League. Each member Organization shall maintain an escrow balance of $1,000. Membership shall be automatically renewed each year. Any Organization wishing to leave the League shall notify the League in writing. Upon receipt of the request, all remaining escrow funds will be refunded to the Organization. The following schedule of payments covers all fees due the League for the upcoming season (season is defined herein). Additional charges might be incurred for optional purchases of materials or fines/penalties incurred during the season. No additional fees will be assessed for playoffs or districts. Payments due August 15 th : Annual League Membership Fee all organizations - $650 Team fees for all teams 10U and higher - $375 per team Squirt Jamboree fee - $275 per team participating in the jamboree Each member will submit a current Organizational Questionnaire by June 1 st of each year, and will update it annually with any necessary changes. Any Organization having an outstanding balance (team fees, fines, etc.) for thirty (30) days or more following publication of the Treasurer s report or who fails to have a representative at fifty percent (50% ) or more of the League s Board (otherwise known as Delegates) meetings will be considered on probation for the remainder of the current season. An Organization placed on probation will result in the loss of eligibility for District Championships, USA Hockey Nationals and League playoffs for that year and is ineligible to vote at any Board meeting. This may be appealed to the Executive Board (defined herein) in accordance with USA Hockey rules governing Appeals. A member Organization may not change its name, logo, home rink and/or team colors unless it is approved by a simple majority vote of the Board at the March Meeting. Notice to make a change should be sent to the Executive Vice President in writing by February 1 st. There can be only one NJYHL member Organization per home rink facility. Home rink facility is defined as the rink where a current NJYHL member Organization plays a majority of its games. 11 New Jersey Youth Hockey League Guidebook

12 The only exception to this rule will be with the express written consent of the current NJYHL member Organization playing at the facility in question agreeing to share the home rink facility with another NJYHL member Organization. If a current NJYHL member is displaced by an applicant to the NJYHL, that applicant must wait three years from the date of displacement before applying for membership to the NJYHL. If one NJYHL member is displaced by another NJYHL member requesting to change its home rink affiliation, the NJYHL member displacing the other NJYHL member shall be suspended from the NJYHL for a period of no less than three years from the date of the displacement. At the start of each playing season, the League shall publish the Constitution and Bylaws and the Rules and Regulations of the League (otherwise known as the NJYHL Guidebook). Each member Organization must submit a USA Hockey roster for each of its teams in accordance with the Rules and Regulations. All teams within an Organization must be USA Hockey registered, both league and non-league teams. The Executive Board will have the right to request evidence that any Organization fielding a team(s) outside of the USA Hockey umbrella is in compliance with the requirements set forth in the USA Hockey Annual Guide. Any existing member Organization may, with prior Board approval, withdraw from active League play for one season. The Board may impose any qualifying conditions it deems appropriate. Any member Organization shall be subject to forfeiture of its membership for, but not limited to, the following: A. Failure to comply with the Constitution and Bylaws and the Rules and Regulations of the League, USA Hockey or the USA Hockey affiliate having jurisdiction over the member Organization. B. Failure to meet its League obligations. C. Actions deemed detrimental to hockey and/or the League. Any officer or member Organization may petition the Board to expel an alleged offending member Organization at the Annual Meeting or at any regular meeting after the Annual Meeting, but prior to the commencement of the playing season. However, before the Board may take action on such petition, the alleged offending member shall be given written notification via at least fifteen (15) days prior to the meeting at which the petition shall be acted upon. The alleged offending member Organization shall have the right to be heard at such meeting and to present any evidence or information it deems pertinent. A two-thirds majority vote of the Board present at the Board meeting shall be required for the expulsion of a member Organization under this provision. 12 New Jersey Youth Hockey League Guidebook

13 At the start of each season, all member Organizations and their coaches, managers, governing bodies, etc. must be in compliance with all USA Hockey requirements including background screening, Safe Sport certification, etc. Article IV: New Membership Any new Organization that wishes to apply for membership must apply in writing to the President and copy the Executive Vice President no later than January 1st and must supply the following information: A. Number of teams currently fielded B. Number of players in current organization C. Age of Organization D. Origin of new players to organization (i.e. in house, clinics, etc.) E. Completed Organizational questionnaire This information will be sent to existing member Organizations by February 1st. March meeting. At the March Board meeting, the previously submitted written application for membership is considered final and must be accompanied by an oral presentation to the Board petitioning for membership to the NJYHL. The following are conditions for membership consideration: A. The Organization must be registered with USA Hockey. B. The Organization must enter the NJYHL with two or more teams. C. Acceptance of a new member into probationary status shall occur by affirmative vote of a majority of the existing members present that are eligible to vote at the March Board meeting. Membership in the NJYHL shall commence on the date of acceptance by the Board and upon receipt of the escrow account contribution and the capital contribution. Payments due from new members to the NJYHL at March meeting. Escrow account contribution - $1,000 Capital contribution - $550 D. Once accepted as a member, the organization will continue as a probationary member until the following March Board meeting at which time a vote shall be taken to: (a) Accept the organization as a permanent member (b) continue the probationary status for another year (c) terminate the membership. 13 New Jersey Youth Hockey League Guidebook

14 E. A probationary member s association with the League may be terminated for cause by due process during the season. Termination requires a majority vote of the organizations present at a regularly scheduled Board meeting. F. While a probationary member, the club will have full voting rights, except on votes concerning membership status, and be subject to the same rules and regulations as regular members. G. A probationary member may roster no more than two (2) players per team who were rostered with other NJYHL teams the previous season and have a release if necessary. Failure to comply with the rostering and player movement rules as stated in the Constitution and Bylaws and the Rules and Regulations may result in loss of eligibility for membership in the League. H. A probationary member will not be permitted to field National bound (14U, 16U 18U) AA teams while on probation. These levels are approved by the AAHA and new members are not included in the review for the upcoming season. I. All probationary members cannot also retain independent Tier II status in the AAHA. By accepting membership in the NJYHL, the organization must withdraw its independent Tier II status in the AAHA. Article V: Officers The officers of this organization shall be the Commissioner, President, Executive Vice President, Administrative Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and the Registrar. The officers shall comprise the Executive Board and shall be responsible to conduct the day-to-day operation of the League. They shall be elected to office by the member Organizations by a simple majority vote. The election shall take place at the annual meeting. Nominations from the floor are to be submitted no later than March 25 th to the Nominating Committee Chairperson. The positions of Commissioner, Vice-President(s) and Treasurer shall be elected in evennumbered years. The positions of President, Secretary and Registrar shall be elected in oddnumbered years. The term of office shall be for two years. All officers may serve successive terms, if elected by the majority of the members who are eligible to vote. In the event an officer is unable to complete a full two year term, a replacement will be appointed by the President with the majority approval of the Executive Board. In the event that the President is unable to complete a full two year term, a replacement will be appointed with a simple majority approval of the Executive Board. Any officer may be removed at any time by an affirmative vote of a three-quarters majority of the member organizations present at a regular Board meeting wherein notice of such is placed on the agenda three weeks in advance. 14 New Jersey Youth Hockey League Guidebook

15 A. Commissioner: The Commissioner shall have the full authority to conduct the on-ice activities of the League. The Commissioner shall have the power to suspend any member Organization, team, player or team official for conduct detrimental to hockey, either on or off the ice. The Commissioner shall have the full authority to assign penalties/sanctions in accordance with violations of the Constitution and Bylaws or the Rules and Regulations of the League. The Commissioner shall rule on any unresolved conflicts, which prevent the completion of the League schedule. B. President: The President shall preside at all the meetings of the League. The President shall be the chief executive officer of the organization and shall be an ex-officio member of all committees of the organization. The President may vote on any matter in order to determine the outcome of any motion. C. Vice-Presidents: (a) Executive Vice-President: The Executive Vice-President shall act as an assistant to the President. The Executive Vice-President shall be responsible for the interpretation of the League Constitution and Bylaws and the Rules and Regulations, recommending any changes, additions and/or deletions as needed. The Executive Vice-President shall be responsible for publishing annual the Constitution and Bylaws, Rules and Regulations and other pertinent League information. The Executive Vice President is responsible for the planning and conducting of an annual informational meeting of all League team representatives. (b) Administrative Vice-President: The Administrative Vice-President, as the master scheduler for the League, shall be responsible for all activities related to the scheduling of League games. The Administrative Vice President shall supervise changes to the league schedule, and shall publish/distribute the master schedule and all changes to that schedule. The Administrative Vice President shall also act as the chairperson for the League Playoffs. D. Secretary: The Secretary shall give or cause notice to be given of all meetings. The Secretary shall keep an accurate record of all proceedings of the meetings of this organization, maintain an attendance record for each meeting, distribute minutes of the meetings to the membership, and maintain an up-to-date directory of all members. The Secretary shall maintain a permanent file of the organization s correspondence and shall prepare outgoing correspondence as requested. The Secretary shall perform other duties as may be designated by the President. E. Treasurer: The Treasurer shall have custody of the funds and securities of the organization and shall keep full and accurate accounts or receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the League. The Treasurer shall deposit all moneys and other valuables in the name and to the credit of the League in such depositories as may be designated by the Board. The Treasurer shall 15 New Jersey Youth Hockey League Guidebook

16 disburse the funds of the organization as may be ordered by the Board or the President, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements. The Treasurer shall render a full accounting of the financial condition of the organization at all regular meetings or whenever requested to do so by the Board. At the Annual Meeting, the Treasurer shall present an Annual Report (income statement and balance sheet) of the financial condition of the League. F. Registrar: The Registrar shall maintain the official rosters of the member teams as required by the League Constitution and Bylaws and the Rules and Regulations. The Registrar shall be responsible for year-end league trophies. Article VI: Board The Board shall be comprised of the officers of the League and one voting delegate from each member organization. The officers of the League do not have voting rights with the exception of the President as stated under Article V-B. The board shall be empowered to elect officers of the organization. The Board shall also be empowered to enact the Constitution and Bylaws and the Rules and Regulations necessary for the accomplishment of the purposes of the organization and to enable the officers to conduct the activities of the League. Article VII: Appointed Positions The President and the Commissioner shall appoint the following non-voting positions with the concurrence of a majority of the Executive Board members for a term of one year which is renewable annually with a majority concurrence of the Executive Board: A. Referee-in-Chief: The Director of Officials shall be directly responsible to the League Commissioner. The primary responsibilities of the Referee-in-Chief will be to supervise, assign and evaluate league officials. He may appoint assistants to aid him in carrying out his duties. These assistants will be directly responsible to the Referee-in-Chief. Prior to the start of the League season, the Referee-in-Chief shall participate in a meeting for team coaches for the purpose of reviewing League Rules and Regulations. B: League Statistician: The League Statistician shall receive the original copy of each game score sheet for the purpose of: (a) Accumulating accurate and original copies of games sheets. (b) Monitoring penalties which result in the suspension of players and/or coaches. C. Master Scheduler: Shall assist the Administrative vice president in creating the league schedule and running the playoffs. This position can be filled by the Administrative Vice President. 16 New Jersey Youth Hockey League Guidebook

17 D. Accident Report Liaison: Provide excess insurance information to the membership, communicate regularly with and acts as a liaison to the Atlantic District Risk Manager and passes on necessary information to the membership. The Accident Report Liaison will arrange for the Atlantic District Risk Manager to attend at least one league meeting (with the President s approval). This position can be filled by the Registrar. E. Coach-In-Chief: Handles all coaching/evaluating programs and is liaison to player development and to USA Hockey programs. The Coach in Chief handles all tasks relating to coaching as designated by the President and Commissioner. F. Professional Organizations Liaison: The Professional Organizations Liaison will interact with NHL and other professional teams in our area. They will improve relations with the teams and administer any outreach activities offered by the professional teams. They shall arrange and conduct programs to keep up contact between organization representatives and the media and community. G. Appointee-at-Large: The Appointee-at-Large shall assist the Executive Board with any special projects and assigned tournaments. Article VIII: Committees The President, with the advice of the Executive Board, shall appoint the following committees: A. Nominating B. Rules and Regulations C. and any other additional standing committees as are necessary for the purpose and programs of the organization. The duties of such committees shall be set forth by the President. Each standing committee shall submit a report at the Annual Meeting and may submit a report at a regular meeting to keep the Board informed of the activities related to the organization. The Secretary shall publish a membership list for each committee. The Rules and Regulations Committee will do an annual review of the League Constitution and Bylaws and Rules and Regulations to determine if changes are needed. The committee will be headed by the Executive Vice President. The Executive Vice President will present all rule proposals to the Board at the scheduled league meeting in March. Rule changes will be voted on at the Annual Meeting. Article IX: Meetings 17 New Jersey Youth Hockey League Guidebook

18 The Secretary shall notify the membership in advance of all meetings. A quorum of a majority of the members must be present in order to conduct a meeting. All voting at meetings must be done in person. Only the delegate may do voting (or in the delegate s absence, the alternate delegate). Only members in good standing shall be entitled to vote. To be in good standing, a member organization shall not be indebted to the League, on Probation (other than new probationary members) or be under suspension by the League at the time of the meeting. The Secretary shall maintain a list of those eligible to vote at each meeting. A. Board Meeting: Regularly scheduled meetings of the League shall be held at a time and place designated by the Executive Board. A calendar of dates of meetings for the year shall be published in June prior to each playing season. Failure to have a delegate or alternate at a regularly scheduled meeting will result in the following penalties: First Offense Second Offense Third Offense Fourth Offense and higher $ fine $ fine $ fine and the offending organization is be ineligible to vote for the remainder of the season $250 fine for each additional offense With the approval of the Executive Board, under extreme circumstances, an Organization may have someone other than a delegate or alternate represent that club at a regular Board meeting. B. Annual Meeting: The annual meeting of the League shall be held after the end of the playing season at a time and place designated by the President and/or Secretary and approved by the Executive Board. Each Organization s president must submit their designated voting representative to the Secretary seven days prior to the annual meeting unless that voting representative is their delegate or alternate delegate due to the impact rule changes may have on an organization. It is strongly recommended that an Organization s voting representative be the president or a sitting board member who is empowered to make financial decisions on behalf of the organization. There will be a fine of $200 assessed against any member Organization failing to have a voting representative in attendance at the Annual Meeting. The purpose of the Annual Meeting is to: A. Vote on any proposed amendments, additions and/or deletions to the Constitution and Bylaws and/or Rules and Regulations. 18 New Jersey Youth Hockey League Guidebook

19 B. Conduct the election of the officers of the NJYHL and Zone Directors for the AAHA Board of Directors C. Receive and review the annual reports of the Treasurer and the standing committees. D. Conduct any other business of the organization as needed. C. Special Meetings/Seminars: The President and/or Secretary may call special meetings as deemed necessary. Notice as to the purpose of the meeting shall be given to the membership in advance. There will be a fine, to be announced in advance, assessed against any member organization failing to have a delegate or alternate in attendance at a special meeting. D. Presidents Meeting: An annual Presidents meeting only meeting will be held on a Saturday in January each season. The date, time, and venue will be published at the beginning of the playing season. Failure to have an Organization president or board member attend this meeting will result in a $200 fine to the offending Organization. Article X: Rules and Regulations The rules and regulations of USA Hockey and the USA Hockey affiliate having jurisdiction over a member Organization shall apply to the League except as specifically amended by the League. The Rules and Regulations governing the on-ice and off-ice activities of its members are published in an attachment to the Constitution and Bylaws. All rules and regulations adopted by the League shall have the same force and effect as the Constitution and Bylaws of the League and shall be enforced by League and game officials where applicable. Additions, deletions or amendments to the Rules and Regulations must be made at the Annual Board meeting. A simple majority vote of the eligible member organizations in attendance is required to effect changes in the Rules and Regulations. For a rule to be considered at the Annual Board meeting, it shall be proposed to the Executive board (to the attention of the Executive Vice President) in writing by February 15th. Under special circumstances, an addition, deletion or amendment to the Rules and Regulations may be proposed at any other meeting. The Executive Board has final say if the special circumstances warrant a vote by the Board on the proposed special circumstance. If it does, a two-thirds majority vote of the eligible member Organizations in attendance is required to effect the change. Article XI: Tampering and Player Movement Between Member Organizations 19 New Jersey Youth Hockey League Guidebook

20 The League, as a matter of policy, frowns upon the direct solicitation and/or contact of players, especially those solicitations carrying tangible and intangible inducements to change organizations. All officers and individuals associated with the League or one of its member Organizations shall respect the integrity and role of each other member Organization and shall not perform any activity that would demean and be injurious to another member Organization, thereby weakening the entire League. The League will follow the Tampering Rules set forth by the Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association and USA Hockey and notwithstanding the foregoing no player may change organizations after being added to the Approved USA Hockey roster and playing one League game without the mutual consent of both Organizations involved. Article XII: Parliamentary Authority The rules as contained in Robert s Rules of Order -- Revised shall govern the League and the Board in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these By-Laws. Article XIII: Dissolution of the League The method of distribution of assets upon dissolution will be set forth in the by-laws of the Corporation. On dissolution, after payments of all debts, no part of the remaining assets may be distributed to any trustee, member or officer of the Corporation. Upon the dissolution, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or top state or local government, for a public purpose. Any such assets not disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas of the county in which the principal officer of the organization is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes. 20 New Jersey Youth Hockey League Guidebook

21 Rules and Regulations Team Classification 1. Classification is determined by the birth year of the player in which the team is registered. Age classifications for each division are as follows: 8U 2009 & younger 10U 2007 & U 2005 & U 2003 & U 2001 & U 1999 & A player is permitted to play 'up' in the next age division if he/she starts the season there in accordance with AAHA rules. However, once he plays more than three (3) League games in that classification, he cannot be moved down to his correct age classification. If a player is playing in the correct age classification, he/she can be moved 'up' to the next age classification only after being evaluated by the Organization s Hockey/Coaching Director and obtaining subsequent approval from the NJYHL Coach-in Chief. Additional information regarding player movement is listed herein under Team Registration and Rostering. 3. The League will operate Tier II playing divisions at the 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U levels. The AA, A and B divisions will be competitive with teams able to qualify for League Playoff, District Playoffs, and National Championships. At the 10U level the League will conduct a jamboree and place teams in appropriate divisions based on skill and geography and will compete in a League Playoff. 4. There must be a minimum of four teams in a division for league competition. 5. Any organization may field teams in the AA, A or B divisions of an age classification. Any organization that declares three (3) or more teams in the NJYHL at any one (1) age classification level must declare one of those teams at the AA or A level and the remaining teams should be placed at their level of competitiveness - either AA, A or B. 21 New Jersey Youth Hockey League Guidebook

22 6. Upon request, an Organization shall provide team rosters and a detailed explanation for their team(s) declaration based on the program s history and the success or lack of success in NJYHL League competition. Upon review of the given information, the Executive Board will strongly recommend the given team play at the suggested level based on the Board s findings. 7. Each coach and Organization is responsible to check the age of each player on his team to confirm they are not over-aged. Team Registration and Rostering 8. Member organizations must make team commitments electronically in May. Declarations will be considered final on June 1st. Any team withdrawing after that time will be subject to a fine of $1,000. A. The Executive Board reserves the right to question the viability of any team once the final declarations have been made. Upon request, organizations may need to submit one or more of the following: rosters, signed player contracts, executed ice contracts, or any other documentation which provides proof of viability/sustainability. Should the documentation fail to provide sufficient evidence of viability, the Executive Board has the right to deny the declaration. 9. All teams must submit a USA Hockey Team roster to the Affiliate Registrar for approval before playing any games. All teams, league or non-league, within any organization must be registered with USA Hockey. 10. All players and coaches must be properly registered with USA Hockey for the current season. All coaches must have valid a Safe Sport certification, background screening and current CEP level. 11. All player, coach and team official registration requirements must be completed and submitted to USA Hockey, AAHA and the NJYHL as appropriate for the team to be able to compete in the League. Appropriate fines shall be assessed at the discretion of the NJYHL Commissioner for any missing or incomplete documentation. 22 New Jersey Youth Hockey League Guidebook

23 12. Each Organization must submit to the League Registrar a copy of each team s approved USA Hockey roster before each team s first League game. If the Organization fails to submit a copy of the team s approved USA Hockey roster to the League Registrar, each game played by that team will be declared a forfeit until such roster is received by the League Registrar. In addition, there shall be a fine of $1,000 assessed for each game forfeited. Any changes to the approved USA Hockey roster must also be submitted to the League Registrar which includes any roster moves/adds/drops. No changes to the approved USA Hockey roster can be made after December 31. A. A maximum of twenty (20) players are permitted on each team roster. B. USA Hockey Roster for all teams must show a minimum of ten (10) players per team. This may be waived by written appeal to the Commissioner. C. Rosters for teams of probationary organizations must be received by the Registrar by July 15 of the current playing season. Rosters must comply with the guidelines under By-Law IV, Section G. 13. The NJYHL recommends that all member Organizations have each player and his/her parent or guardian sign an agreement when a player contract is signed which clearly states that the parent or guardian is aware of and understands the specific obligation of that player to the Organization. 14. A player cannot compete in the league if he is also rostered on a Tier I youth team A. Special circumstances will be dealt with on an individual basis by the Commissioner. B. An organization may move one player per age level who is rostered on a Tier I youth team prior to October 16th (10U, 12U, 14U) or September 16th (16U, 18U) to a Tier II youth team. If an organization wishes to move more than one player per level or a player at any level after the above dates requires approval of the Commissioner before the player can be moved. At no point can a player be rostered on a Tier I roster and an NJYHL roster at the same time. 15. C. A 16U or 18U player may be rostered on a Tier I or Junior team at the conclusion of their NJYHL team s season and will be ineligible for post-season participation with their NJYHL team once released and rostered with a Tier I or Junior team.a player may not be rostered on more than one team in the NJYHL. 16. A player may not skate on more than one level (AA, A, B) within his rostered organization except for goaltenders as covered herein. 23 New Jersey Youth Hockey League Guidebook

24 17. If an organization fields an AA, A and B team in a division (i.e. 10U, 12U, etc.) the following rules shall apply to goaltenders: A. If there are four goaltenders, two per team, they may play only for the team on which they are rostered and their movement is governed by the player movement rule herein. B. If there are three goaltenders, one must be designated as the A goaltender and play the bulk of the A games. This goalie is to be designated on the team s NJYHL roster. The other goalie on the A roster is eligible to play on the B team if needed. The designated A goalie, however, may not play in any B game or be dropped to the B level without the express consent of the Commissioner. It is the team s responsibility to ensure that each goaltender plays in sufficient games at his/her rostered level to qualify for District tournament participation. C. If there are only two goaltenders, one A and one B, each goalie may play for both teams in the same division of a member Organization but if the game is won when the A goalie plays, it is considered a 1-0 forfeit with no fine. If the game is a loss when the A goalie plays, the game is scored as played. D. AA goaltender shall not be able to play at A and B level. 18. If an organization fields only one team in a division and there is only one goaltender, if that goaltender is unable to play due to sickness, a substitute goaltender may be used as follows: A. A goaltender may be used from the age division immediately below in the same organization. B. A goaltender may be used from any other NJYHL team, including the opposing team, at the same level or the age group immediately below. However, an A goaltender may not be used for a B team on the same level. In same respect, AA goaltender may not be used for A team or B team on the same level. C. In both cases, that goaltender must be a rostered NJYHL player. The Commissioner must be informed of this condition in advance. 19. Each organization is permitted a total of eight (8) moves between its AA, A and B" teams in each division. For example, if a player is moved from the B team to the A team, that is one move. If he is later moved back to the B team, that is a second move. In no case are any moves permitted after December 31 of the playing season. Goaltenders are exempt from this rule. 24 New Jersey Youth Hockey League Guidebook

25 A. All player roster moves must be made in the electronic scoring system PRIOR to the game being played. An must also be sent to the NJYHL Registrar and the Commissioner. Failure to do so will result in a fine of $50 to the offending team for each offense. 20. Any changes made in the USA Hockey roster before the December 31 cut-off date must be sent to the Affiliate Registrar as a supplemental roster. That supplemental roster must also be sent to the League Registrar. That includes additions, deletions, and moves within the organization. 21. All players are free to try out for any team or organization 48 hours after either the AAHA District Tournament (for players at the 8U, 10U and 12U levels) or USA Hockey s National Youth Tournament (for players at the 14U, 16U and 18U levels). After a player commitment contract is signed, there will be no player movement without a written release from that organization. Any player who signs an organization registration form and/or makes a financial commitment to an organization will remain the property of that organization for the balance of the season, unless released by that organization in writing. The League Registrar must verify the release. No release will be considered granted until after the League Registrar verifies it. 22. If after playing one League game and obtaining a release from the originally contracted organization, a player may participate in League games thereafter. Should a player not be able to obtain a release, he shall have the right to appeal to the Executive Board, whose decision shall be binding. The NJYHL cannot alter the financial obligations stated in a player contract. 23. The USA Hockey roster plus all changes made will be considered the final roster as of December 31. No player changes may be made to the rosters after December 31 of the current playing season for any reason whatsoever. 24. Only players whose names appear on a USA Hockey Approved roster that has been provided to the League Registrar, including any official roster changes, may participate in League games. The first offense of this rule shall result in the game being forfeited and a fine of $1,000 being assessed the offending team. A second offense of this rule shall result in the immediate suspension of that team from league play for the remainder of the season. All games scheduled with that team, played or unplayed, shall be declared forfeits. Other teams 25 New Jersey Youth Hockey League Guidebook

26 in the division will have the option of whether or not to honor any remaining scheduled games with the offending team. Each forfeit carries a fine of $1, There shall be no appeal of forfeitures, which are awarded as a result of registration and/or rostering violations. 26. Any player who is rostered on a Junior team in the current season cannot be moved to an NJYHL roster without written permission from the Commissioner. The Organization must submit in writing to the Commissioner explaining the reason for the move prior to permission being granted. At no point can a player be on a Junior roster and an NJYHL roster at the same time. League Schedule 27. The regular season will begin at the discretion of the Administrative Vice President with the approval of the Executive Board. The League schedule for 16U and 18U will start no later than September 1 st. The League schedule for, 12U, and 14U will start no later than October 1 st. The League schedule for 10U will start no later than October 15 th. Official League games may be played earlier than the official start of the League season between mutually consenting teams, provided that these teams have been properly registered and rostered according to League rules. A. The completion date for the regular League season will be determined by the Administrative Vice President and will comply with District tournament constraints. B. It will be mandatory for all 16U and 18U USA Hockey National bound (AA) teams to complete their League games prior to November 1. All 16U and 18U AA teams will be required to participate in any festival (if necessary) where all games completed will count toward league standings; play downs (if necessary) and playoffs. 16UAA and 18UAA playoffs will be held before the start of the New Jersey High School season where the USA Hockey National Championship representatives will be chosen. It is the League s strong recommendation that 16UA and 18UA League games be completed by December 1. If there is any division at the 16UA or 18UA level that had crossovers where northern teams play southern teams, these games must be played by November 15th. 26 New Jersey Youth Hockey League Guidebook